Usually
the name Square Enix has RPG fans quaking in their
elf boots but lest we forget FFIX and its lackluster
gameplay? Their upcoming MMORPG entitled Fantasy Earth:
Ring of Dominion is the most ambitious online RPG
yet and we can only hope Square Enix learned from
their mistakes.

What
has become somewhat standard practice in online RPGs,
players will form an allegiance with one of the various
nations of the land. Recently Square Enix revealed
the warring factions to drooling fans as well as their
history. The nations are: Netzawal, ruled by the Beast
King Hyunkel; Elsord, ruled by the Wise King Naius
Elsord; Holdein, ruled by the Lady General Wadriti
Berkstein Holdein; and the Gebrand Empire, ruled by
Raiel Ku'belda Gebrand. The sixth continent Esucetia
is up for grabs so to speak and these 5 nations will
go to war to decide who gets the spoils of this new
land.

As
is customary, once the player chooses his side he
or she must then chose a class of warrior. There are
currently seven classes to select from that we know
of at this time: Warrior, Berserker, Shadow-walker,
Hunter, Sorcerer, Priest, and Rune Blade. From there
the players will be able to customize the look of
the main character which will include seven different
facial features, seven hairstyles, five different
colrs for eyes and hair and five body types. Players
will also have a selection of clothing depending on
the class chosen. Personally that seems a little light
in terms of options for a game that will support a
multitude of players.

One
of the recently revealed tactics that has gamers all
over the net gasping is the ability to build one of
eight varieties of fortresses if enough crystals are
collected to do so. As they say "Location, location,
location" is extremely important as the terrain
will play an important part as to where to you build
your fort. Square Enix has went on record saying that
any type of fort can be built on any battle map. We
have heard that it's also possible to destroy the
competitions fort during construction which not only
adds to the realism but also to the strategy.

Now
the bad news / good news. Currently Fantasy Earth
is scheduled to appear in Japan sometime in 2005 (expect
it later rather than sooner) but there are no plans
as of yet to localize the game outside of Asia. The
good news is that Square Enix trademarked the title
of the game in North America which means the option
is open to do so at a later date.